The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation distributed more than $825,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations across California and Western Nevada in 2025, marking two decades of community investment totaling $6.3 million.
The foundation’s 20th anniversary underscores a sustained commitment to organizations addressing food access, education, arts and essential community services in the grocer’s operating territories. Grants support programs ranging from student learning initiatives to food bank operations across the region’s diverse communities.
“At its heart, the CARES Foundation is about caring for our communities together,” said Joan Dobias-Davis, chairperson of the CARES Foundation and SVP and chief human resources officer for The Save Mart Companies.
“For 20 years, this work has been shaped by strong local relationships and the deep community knowledge shared by our stores, helping inform where CARES Foundation support can make the greatest impact. Through that collective understanding, the foundation continues to invest in organizations that uplift families, strengthen neighborhoods and support community well-being in meaningful and lasting ways.”
Geographic distribution shows concentrated investment
Over two decades, the foundation has concentrated funding in key markets where Save Mart operates its more than 190 stores under the Save Mart, Lucky and FoodMaxx banners.
Modesto received the largest cumulative investment at more than $1.7 million, followed by Fresno with more than $790,000. Reno saw more than $400,000 in grants, while Sacramento received more than $515,000. The San Francisco and San Jose regions combined for $80,000, with Stockton receiving nearly $100,000.
Education, food security drive grant impact
Organizations addressing student success credited CARES Foundation support with enabling program expansion and improved service delivery.
“A grant from The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation has a meaningful and immediate impact on an organization like ours,” said Andrea Wilson, executive director of the Pleasanton Partnership in Education Foundation in Pleasanton, California.
“CARES Foundation support allows us to invest directly in student and teacher grants, giving students access to hands-on learning opportunities that extend beyond standard curricula.”
Food security organizations emphasized the foundation’s role in maintaining and expanding critical services.
“The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation grants have allowed us to support our 110 partner agencies who tirelessly work throughout our community providing healthy, nutritious food to those in need,” said Christina Cleveland, director of development at Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.
Grants build organizational credibility
Beyond direct program funding, recipients noted that CARES Foundation recognition strengthens their position with other donors and community partners.
“Perhaps the most important benefit is the extra credibility,” said Roy Stevens, general director of Opera Modesto, “helping other donors to know our organization has been approved by The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation.”
Health-focused nonprofits highlighted how foundation support enables access to programs that would otherwise remain out of reach for families.
“Support from The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation has had a lasting and meaningful impact on the Nevada Diabetes Association and the families we serve,” said Alex Schopp, director of development.
“CARES Foundation grants help make our diabetes camp programs accessible to children who would not otherwise be unable to attend, providing them with life-changing education, medical support, and a sense of belonging.”
Foundation maintains quarterly grant cycle
The CARES Foundation’s board of directors meets quarterly to review applications and award funding to IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations within The Save Mart Companies’ geographic footprint.
The foundation prioritizes programs providing resources, education and access to healthy experiences and choices for children and adults. Eligible organizations must operate within communities served by Save Mart, Lucky or FoodMaxx locations across California and Western Nevada.
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